The Teacher of Budding Villains Suffers Today, Too - Chapter 116

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 116
After steadying herself, Rachel crossed the threshold into the Emperor’s Palace. She felt countless eyes upon her, but she moved with practiced composure.
‘It’s fine, it’s fine.’
She tried to reassure herself, yet all that effort proved useless—her heart hammered against her ribs.
“Rachel.”
At Lucas’s call, Rachel turned her head a beat too late.
“No matter what His Majesty says, keep your silence.”
Lucas whispered low to her. Rachel nodded, her eyes wide.
“Your Majesty, Crown Prince Lucas has arrived.”
The Chief Attendant announced Lucas’s presence. She expected the doors to open at once. Instead, the Emperor made noise but refused to open them.
‘What is he doing, summoning people only to keep them waiting?’
Rachel saw through the Emperor’s little power game easily enough. Playing such games with his own son was absurd.
They stood outside for what felt like an age. At last, after a considerable wait, the doors opened, and Lucas and Rachel entered.
The Emperor’s reception chamber was vast. Yet today it felt utterly drained of vitality. She could discern at once that the Emperor had lost his vigor.
“Lucas.”
The Emperor—aged a decade in that moment—called his son forward. Lucas bowed with perfect grace. Rachel, too, observed the proper courtesy.
“I’ve heard the most absurd rumors.”
The Emperor spoke slowly, deliberately.
“That you, the Crown Prince, have encroached upon the Emperor’s authority.”
The Emperor threw down his words like a gauntlet, grinding his teeth. Rachel could feel the vast hostility radiating from him toward her son.
“Do you truly covet the imperial throne?”
Yet Lucas said nothing. Rachel saw wisdom in his silence. Whatever he said would only give the Emperor more to seize upon.
“So you hunger for my seat!”
“I do not.”
Lucas finally spoke.
“I wish only for Tirnes to flourish.”
“Tirnes to flourish?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lucas continued quietly.
“Tirnes is the greatest empire on the continent, yet it suffers from grave deficiencies—particularly in its institutions.”
His words rang true. Tirnes was strong, but its institutions were brittle. In matters of education, even more so.
“The common people of Tirnes cannot read. My goal is to create an environment where all of them receive education and learn to read.”
“What use have commoners for letters! You still cling to such empty delusions!”
The Emperor’s voice erupted. The Empress, who had sat in silence, could not hide her displeasure.
“To create such an environment, I believed I must empower Rachel Swan. That is why I appointed her as Crown Princess.”
Lucas did not shy from the Emperor’s gaze. He held his father’s eyes and conveyed his conviction directly.
“I cannot agree!”
“Why do you resist the flow of the times, Your Majesty?”
“A handful of duchies’ systems are no reason for great Tirnes to follow suit!”
The Emperor seethed. Then Lucas slowly opened his mouth.
“Then, what do you require?”
“What…?”
“I ask what I must set aside for you to support me.”
Lucas moved first to negotiate. The Emperor’s face split into a broad grin, as if he had been waiting for precisely this moment.
“If you speak so, then what I truly desire is this:”
He wet his lips. He knew exactly how to ensnare them.
* * *
“Receive the Sun God’s Approval…?”
The Emperor wanted one thing: for Lucas and Rachel to receive the Sun God’s Approval.
‘That is no simple task.’
Rachel exhaled softly.
‘Will the Sun God ever acknowledge me?’
Lucas had more than enough merit, but Rachel herself—what ability did she possess? The thought made her small.
‘Whatever else, I cannot let him suffer because of me.’
She made a silent vow. By any means necessary, she would not be the cause of his ruin.
The Emperor’s demands were immense. He wanted Lucas and Rachel to receive the Sun God’s Approval in public—before the temple of the Sun God, with nobles and commoners alike bearing witness.
‘In other words, if we fail, everything crumbles.’
Rachel could read the Emperor’s true intent with ease.
‘As far as I know, the only Emperor to receive the Sun God’s Approval was the First Emperor.’
In truth, only the First Emperor had ever received the Sun God’s Approval. He had been a true hero.
The current Emperor, by contrast, had never received the Sun God’s Approval. It was the single greatest reason why he’d failed to win his people’s affection.
‘Demanding from his son what he couldn’t accomplish himself.’
The Emperor’s actions never ceased to astound her. Rachel shook her head slowly as she searched the shelves for materials.
‘I hope there’s something useful here.’
The imperial library held more resources than she’d expected. Trusting it wouldn’t disappoint her this time either, Rachel turned through the pages with determination.
“Rachel.”
She’d been leafing through books for who knew how long when Lucas’s voice reached her. She turned at once to look at him.
“Lucas.”
“You look exhausted. What are you doing here?”
Lucas approached her side. Rachel waved a hand dismissively, insisting she was fine.
‘I can’t burden him on top of everything else.’
She made an effort to brighten her expression.
“How about a night walk with me, then?”
Lucas suggested the stroll. She had no reason to refuse. Rachel nodded at once.
“I heard Ros has expanded his tavern.”
“Really…?”
She’d known the business was thriving, but hearing such good news sent a thrill through her. Rachel broke into a wide smile.
“And tonight happens to be when the Empire’s largest Night Market opens, so it wouldn’t hurt to venture out.”
“I’d really love that.”
Without thinking, Rachel took Lucas’s hand. But a moment later, awareness of what she’d done struck her, and she quickly pulled away. Lucas’s face broke into a radiant smile.
“Why? I didn’t mind.”
……
“In fact, I welcome the boldness.”
At his teasing remark, Rachel’s face flushed crimson. There were still plenty of moments when talking with him left her embarrassed.
* * *
Ros’s tavern was thriving considerably. Anyone could see it was a place of success.
Rachel presented Ros with a gift she and Lucas had prepared together. He laughed heartily and blessed their future.
“Wow….”
The Night Market truly lived up to its reputation as the Empire’s largest. Rachel clung to Lucas’s hand like a child, wide-eyed and delighted.
“It’s really amazing….”
At her exclamation, Lucas interlaced his fingers with hers and drew her a little closer.
“To be honest, I’m nervous about what comes tomorrow.”
Rachel spoke candidly. Lucas gazed down at her with tenderness.
“Receiving the Sun God’s Approval is hardly an easy thing.”
Her face was clouded with worry as she exhaled softly.
“I don’t know. I think you have every qualification.”
“Me…?”
“You’re a war hero. Without you, we would never have brought the war to victory.”
“…But.”
Rachel fell silent. Such a grand title—war hero—didn’t suit her at all. She was merely….
“I’m not sure….”
Her words trailed away. Lucas reached up and brushed her cheek gently, then spoke.
“Rachel. Whatever happens tomorrow, it won’t be your fault. It will be mine alone.”
Lucas had voiced the very concern that plagued her most. The endless question: what if I’m the reason he doesn’t receive the Sun God’s Approval?
“Trust yourself a little more.”
His voice carried weight and conviction.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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